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Author
Topic: Who I Appreciate On Here And Why (Read 19815 times)

Ok. Call it mushy, touchy-feely, whatever you want. It won't bother me a whit if you think so. I've just had some nice little exchanges with a number of folks on here, and I'd like to start this post as a place for me to tell 'em I'm grateful for having crossed paths with them...even if only 'virtually'.

A blessing of places like this on the internet is that we are able to mentally transcend barriers of distance and geography, and even more intangible barriers like finance and sociological boundaries. One might even say it is a blessing that we have these obstacles in place when personalities clash and tempers flare. Of course, for every Yin there is a Yang. Every light produces a shadow. One of the curses of this virtual plane is that sometimes we get lulled into a forgetfulness of the existence of these real world barriers...until we get reminded of them all too vividly. Online friends become desperately ill or hospitalized in another city, experience loss in another state or become alarmingly depressed in another country. What then? What do we do?

We make the most of what we have. And what we have here is a piece of spiritual real estate, and I'd say it has some damn fine curb appeal. On this little stamp of virtual earth, spirits can connect even if bodies aren't physically able to. So I'm gonna mine everything the soil has to offer here...and name some of the diamonds I've found. I invite everyone to join in. But if you wish to do any trashing, start another thread for your landfill. I earnestly request that no one tarnish the sentiment of good will on my thread. Please. I've had enough for awhile of hearing who hates who and why. This one is for appreciation. It doesn't have to be mushy. It can be funny, tender, admiring...whatever. And you can repost about the same person. Just keep it in the vein of appreciation. I'm going to have many. The first is below.

Wow, honestly I don't know who initiated first contact with me but I have grown to love this place. So, I will say mad love to Peter, creator of the site, if I knew where you lived, I would give you a great big kiss! This site has caused me to open up tremendously.

Lwood, who I think is fucking funny as hell. When I am pissed about something, I can read one of his posts and everything is right as rain.

Anniebc, I think is the sweetest person. I love to see her paintings. I also love to hear about the animals. To use someone else's phrase, she is the bees knees..

Matty The Damned, just because I love his damned ways. I miss the hell out of you, please come back.

John Oso, I love reading his posts. I thought I was the only one who watched Showgirls..lol..

The 2 Jerrys, Isn't it great that people can find true love, even on the Internet. That goes for Hermie and Dan too.

Melia, Who has a way with words. Are you over the throat thing yet? I hope so.

Mouse, Whose sweet innocense(sp?) I love and his age tends to bring the mother hen out in me.

Strayboy, I love you like a brother from another mother.

JeffreyJ, You are the sweetest.

Eldon, I'm feeling the positive vibes, you are a reminder of the good things that life has to offer if we only look and see them.

Thunter, My first gay love, is there such a thing? If there isn't, it is now. Let's make passionate love, you can still be gay and I won't tell a soul....

Damn for the moment that is all my brain is allowing me to remember. Blames it on the weed but as I see more names, I will add later....

We make the most of what we have. And what we have here is a piece of spiritual real estate, and I'd say it has some damn fine curb appeal. On this lttle stamp of virtual earth, spirits can connect even if bodies aren't physically able to.

Hey Thunter34...

With confirmation follows a blessing. This is your confirmation. It is empowering and it is fulfilling just as well. I will follow-up with more later.

I just looked at the main forums board, and the only thing you see right now for recent posts is, 'Who I Appreciate On Here And Why". I don't really know what to say about that at the moment, other than it is a welcome sight.

I am exhausted right now. But before I go to bed, I'm going to manufacture a reverse schism for myself by posting these two together...

Eldon: For always making an effort towards encouragement and enthusiasm. Some may perceive it as 'Hallmark Sentiments', but it should be noted that Hallmark is the number one name that people turn to for such things.

Moffie65: For being fearless in his convictions. He is clearly willing to risk unpopularity for saying what he feels needs to be said.

Awww, Thanks for the love guys....For those I may not have mentioned, it is because there are so many to list, but as I see names I will post. Even if you don't see your name listed by me, you are still loved, believe it, and some of you I am just getting to know.....More to come from me......

Great idea for a thread, thunter34. On a morning when it's -11įC / 12įF, and I have a therapy appointment to get to, it's nice to find something this heart warming happening here.

Quote from: FallenAngel

when I first got to these forums DanielMark was the first one who welcomed me and he made it worth being here I appreciate his friendship and shoulder he gave me. Much appreciated DaniŽl.

What a kind thing to say, Ronnie. I appreciate your friendship too.

Whenever I see your username, I immediately flash in my mind to one of my favourite Jennifer Warnes songs. I will post an excerpt here and I think you might see why.

So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mineTorn by what we've done and can't undoI just wanna hold you, come on let me hold youLike Bernadette would doWe've been around, we fall, we flyWe mostly fall, we mostly runAnd every now and then we tryTo mend the damage that we've doneTonight, tonight I just can't restI've got this joy here inside my breastTo think that I did not forget, that childThat song of Bernadette

from: Song of Bernadetteby: Jennifer Warnesalbum: Famous Blue Raincoat

I often think about this place online and truly feel it is special because of the diversity. I don't respond to every single thread or correspond to everyone via PM's but that does not mean I don't appreciate. I know it sounds cheesy to be all encompassing but I truly feel this way. My list of those who stand out in my mind would be a mile long. I will mention a few of the people who really inspire me to think because that is what I gain most from this place.

Ann - a master of people politics.Dachshund - a master of American politics. (and Jack for providing a glimpse of the darkside)Melia - a master of written word and openness.Newt - a master of HIV science.Moff/Joe/Lis - masters of HIV history and survival.

I used to come here out of boredom and for entertainment but as I've become more involved I've found much more. I am confident this place will continue to live and prosper despite our growing pains.

I'm still new in this forum I just started last month, but I will say thank you LONGISLANDER you are the only one who welcoming in this forum and remind me how good my brother was giving me this website.

And thank you Thunter for start this tread good ideaP.S. I have a crush on you

I appreciate all of you and the consolation you have given me through this difficult time. Loosing another friend is so hard. He was more than a casual acquaintence. We had dated briefly. I included him in everything. THunter, thank you.And Mark, Aztecan was the first to welcome me here.

LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safelyin a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT ARIDE!!!

So as not to hijack this thread (despite one very hot DISH, as noted), I am fond of one Mr. Staley and all the good he has created with AidsMeds.

Thanks to Peter's foresight (I nearly typed foreskin; eep) and vision for AidsMeds; his decades-long commitment to all-things HIV/AIDS; the vast amount of energy and talent he has brought to this site (Andy, Tim, Ann, Grossman (formerly) etc.)); his [obviously] savvy business intellect; compassion and relentless commitment to the 'cause'....and so much more, to Peter, I say "thank you."

AidsMeds is here for all SURVIVORS (no newbies, no dinosaurs, no hideously divisive labels), but ALL survivors of this horrific pandemic when we want and/or need information, friendship, camaraderie, support and more. "When we want and/or need...." Imagine that.

Now, just for a moment, imagine no AidsMeds at all.

From where I sit, I can think of few others who have impacted this pozzie, this survivor, so darn...well (here comes the cliche).....positively.

Rocky has become a true and dear friend, as well as Lis, Lisa, Jody and so many more.

I am especially thankful this holiday season for all our 15+ years survivors, who have been living with this all throughout the 90's and 00's....I'm afraid to start listing, for fear I'll leave someone out.....but there's Joe, Tim, Rocky, Lis, Lisa,Herman, Dan.....oh and ME ! (I knew I shouldn't have started to list them, now my brain has gone dead)

Hugs & love to all,

Alan

Logged

"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

There are so many here who have touched my heart and in so many diffrent ways, and I don't always get the chance to say thank you...so thank you Thunter for starting this positive and heartfelt post and giving me the chance to do just that...but, there are far too many for me to name..so please let me just say to each and everyone of you thank you for being here for me, for your support, for your love and compassion over the past 3 and a half years..for you patience and for loving my animals as much as I do..

To the Tin Man..we have met before, it was on that magical road to OZ..and I think Rocky was there also ( he was one of the Munchkins... )

Thanks Thunter for a wonderful post...once again you have made my day.

I don't think I would have made it the first week of waiting for the results of mine and hubby's test results if it wasn't for Ann, Andy, and Rod in the Am I infected. You guys are truly awesome and do such a wonderful job!

Then when hubby's came back positive and mine negative everyone showed me so much love and support. You all here have literally saved my sanity and I will always love each and every one of you for that.To Moffie and Rab, who when i needed a bop upside my head, was there to give it to me! Nadine for your words of encouragement, because you truly know what i have been going thru.Ray, Eric, Jeff, Alan, Jan, Alex, you have always been there for me and I appreciate all of you so much.

To all the rest of you I appreciate each and every one of you. You have taught me so much about living with HIV, about compassion, understanding, and the courage to go on.

I think everyone of us have touched eachother in ways that have allowed us to move and grow. I get really weird when I just lay dormant and am not moving either forward or back. The wonderful people who I have met either by reading and responding or just taking in a thread on the sidelines have moved me, rocked me, left lumps in my throat, tears in my eyes as well as jumping for joy.... Getting that kind of support from a written message, boy! What a time it would be to actually just meet and hug you all... A place where all our worlds and spirit collide cannot be all that bad..... I for one, am pretty FUCKING HAPPY THESE DAYS...

Ok, the brain isn't as fuzzy as when I first posted here so there are a few more to add...

Newt, I value the information you provide even though sometimes I still don't understand it. I also like seeing what you are listening to when you posts, even thought I've yet to recognize any of them.

RapidRod, I appreciate the information you provide. I also enjoy your wicked sense of humor. You are indeed a blessing to the I just tested poz thread.

Andy, Ann, You guys have the patience of saints. What is your secret? You can tell me...It's weed isn't it? Just kidding...

LongIslander, You have a heart of gold. When you gonna let me see more than just that eye?

Do with me what you will, as long as it doesn't include pain! Leave it up to me, right. I enjoy making folks laugh, it's just part of my nature. I can't help it, I got weed on the brain. There's prolly so much thc there if you were to scape it off, you'd have a fantastic buzz...

Thunter, thank you for your kind words...and for starting this thread! I have to say, the feeling is definately mutual my friend...we are so close geographically speaking and I can't wait wait to lay my eyes on you for real!! You are truly a knight...oh, when I am filming this weekend and my ass is in the air...I will only be thinking of you for my inspiration!!

It's so late to list everyone...I will be posting later to add more...thunter you have brought me to tears tonight...all in a good way, thank you for that!

Damn, Pozguy is closer to Thunter than I am..(location, location,location) Jeromy, don't think you're going to have all the fun this weekend with your ass in the air and thoughts of my Thunter! I'm willing to share but let's not get greedy.

Thunter you are a hottie have to say liked the other pic more next time show more chest whoef.......LOL

Others I can thank who made it possible dealing with so much as what I have and their friendship is so much appreciated by me some are on here and some on aids2hiv.com and they are such a wonderful family to me Cochise and Tammy- Big Brother and sister Franfrog - hmmm love her to bits Keepluv4ualive.Judes my girl Sister in spiritFlorida69- Donnie my online boyfriend Choosing2live & Alivehoping the two Gary's Kcgal and KCmetroman-John And Trish Izpoz she is such an inspiration Bear and Eric Aztecan. Mark your shoulder just when i got on this site

Gosh and those who I have not mentioned you are all in my heart and your guidance and advice has made me better as to just wanted to give up, you all showed me the true friends you all are.

This is the first time I have checked back in since me and the bf broke up over Thanksgiving. It's been incredibly hard and good at the same time. We are still living together and the past few days he has been sweet as hell to me. We do not really have any kind of official title for our relationship anymore, just seem to be rolling with the flow. Taking it day by day. We love each other and maybe it can somehow work out still.

This is a great thread, I thought of not responding because I know I will leave people out. But off the top of my head......

Moffie: I can't tell you how much this man has affected my life. He not only encouraged me almost non-stop at the beginning but his articles always are cutting edge and he has a way of keeping it real for me.

JeffreyJ: He has an incredible way of sending me a private message of encouragement at just the right time. I love you buddy.

Teresa: What a class act she is. Always making lemonaide out of lemons.

MattyThe Damned: I care about you alot. You and I have gotten into some good spats on here at times but I've never doubted you cared. Where you been lately anyway?

There are many others I do not have a deep personal relationship with but would give alot to just sit down over a beer and talk with because I find them awesome people......Eric, AlanBama, Azteca, Hermie, many others.

Thanks to all who care for each other on here.

Logged

44 year old gay man .......just broke up with the only man I've ever really loved.

I appreciate everyone that comes to these forums. I've had my share of disagreements with some, but it was unrelated to HIV/AIDS but that is what opinions are for. We have to be thankful that we can all share, whether we agree or disagree on subject matter. Isn't that life? We have to appreciate everyone here that fights this everyday in hopes to live one day more.